Durable electrochromic coatings prepared from electronically conductive poly(3HT-co-3TPP)-silica hybrid materials

Abstract

In this paper, a series of organic-inorganic hybrid materials, consisting of heterocyclic conjugated poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, network, and silica particles, were successfully prepared for electrochromic studies. First, the heterocyclic co-polymer of poly[3-hexylthiophene-co-N-(3-trimethoxysilylpropyl) pyrrole], P(3HT-co-3TPP), containing trimethoxysilyl functional groups in the co-polymer backbone as the sol-gel precursor were prepared by conventional oxidative polymerization. Subsequently, P(3HT-co-3TPP)-silica hybrid sol-gel materials in the form of coatings were prepared by baking the microslides and ITO-coated electrodes that had been cast with homogeneous blending solutions containing co-polymer, acid-dopant, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and a few drops of water. The microstructures of silica particles formed in the P(3HT-co-3TPP)-silica hybrid materials were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The as-prepared hybrid coatings had improved adhesion capability on inorganic glass substrates relative to the pure P3HT on the basis of electrochemical cyclic voltammetric studies and Scotch tape test evaluations. During potential cycling, the film color of P(3HT-co-3TPP)-silica hybrid materials and P3HT coated on ITO electrode changed from orange yellow (i.e., reduced form) to dark blue (i.e., oxidized form) as the redox reactions proceeded. Effects of the material composition of P3HT along with hybrid materials on the electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity were also studied.

Molecular Aggregation State and Photovoltaic Properties of Chlorophyll-Doped Conducting Poly(3-hexylthiophene)/MCM-41 Nanocomposites

“…In contrast, samples b−d have lower intercalated P3HT to bulk P3HT ratios and fewer P3HT chains in compact form. As a result, a decrease in the blue shift is observed from sample b to d. Nevertheless, a similar blue shift was reported in the UV−vis absorption of FeCl 3 -doped P3HT and a poly(3HT- co -3TPP)−silica system .…”

Preparation of environmentally resistant conductive silica-based polymer hybrids containing tetrathiafulvalene–tetracyanoquinodimethane charge-transfer complexes

“…3 In addition, by immobilizing unstable or transient structures within the matrices, unique characteristics can be observed in the hybrids that originate from these structures. 4 Although the silica component generally functions as an insulator, there are several examples of silica-based conductive hybrids [5][6][7][8][9] and composites. [10][11][12][13][14][15] Stability can be significantly enhanced by hybrid formation, although a decrease in conductivity is often observed.…”